dmraupp
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WhatEver
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Post by dmraupp on Aug 11, 2014 11:07:15 GMT -5
I am going to be purchasing my first serious pair of headphones and would appreciate some suggestions.I was hoping Emotiva was going to roll out a pair but I have never heard a word about that being a product in the works.I do know the type of headphones I want.I am going to get around the ear/closed back.I was seriously considering this set Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Professional Studio Monitor Headphones.I just thought it might be a good idea to reach out and ask for help and suggestions before pulling the trigger.I want to use them for critical listening and sound quality is most important.I will only be using them with the setup listed in my sig and they will be connected through the Emotiva Stealth DC-1.Thank you for any help and suggestions.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2014 11:13:23 GMT -5
The are many headphones being sold on Audiogon by Quaker City Auctions. Start looking at about page 40.
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Post by moovtune on Aug 11, 2014 11:15:59 GMT -5
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bootman
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Post by bootman on Aug 11, 2014 11:31:32 GMT -5
What headphones have you tried int he past and liked?
That will make any recommendations much more meaningful.
I currently use the setup shown in my sig and love the sound, but I'll be the first to admit that Grados are not for everyone.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Aug 11, 2014 12:05:23 GMT -5
I strongly recommend V-Modas. Check them out at v-moda.com/headphones/. These are built like a tank (to MILSPEC!) and sound superb. |
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Post by MaisterK on Aug 11, 2014 12:51:47 GMT -5
If you want the best, try Sennheiser HD 800 ($1500) or Audeze LCD-X ($1700).
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Post by yves on Aug 11, 2014 15:39:24 GMT -5
Yes, but those are open, not closed. I don't recommend over the ears that are closed, but I do recommend my new Westone ES60 custom in-ears, and, when I say recommend, what I really mean is I *TOTALLY* recommend. |
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Post by garbulky on Aug 11, 2014 15:47:15 GMT -5
So any specific reason the OP wants closed headphones? Is it because his majority of listening is portable in public? Because if not, there's no reason not to look at open headphones and other options.
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Post by diablo561 on Aug 11, 2014 17:03:08 GMT -5
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Aug 11, 2014 20:44:31 GMT -5
Head-Fi.org is great place for seeing what headphones are out there. I've been eyeing a couple of Sennheisers(HD600/HD650) for the better part of 2014, and I always find something else I need more. www.head-fi.org/ |
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Post by pressureworld on Aug 11, 2014 22:00:25 GMT -5
Check out Beyerdynamic DT770. It's an excellent closed headphone that isn't to expensive.
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Post by gld3gld3 on Aug 12, 2014 15:47:22 GMT -5
I used to own a pair of ATH-M50s so I can at least give you my thoughts on those HPs. They were my first "good" set of HPs and as an entry level pair they really were excellent. They gave me a "first-taste" of what was possible with headphones of the closed-backed, dynamic driver variety. You will find some variation in people's experience of the sound they produce. For example, a lot of people claim that they have a flat frequency response, while you'll also find a large group of people that say they have a "v-shaped" response, that is, the response in the bass (probably mid-bass) and treble regions are boosted to the diminishment of the mid-range frequencies.
I had nothing to compare these headphones to initially, so my perception was that they were flat in their frequency response. I then purchased my second set of closed HPs, the Mad Dog 3.2 by Mr. Speakers. I had some time to compare the two headphones with the same dac/amp combo and I then realized that the bass in the M50s is definitely boosted. The Mad Dogs are on the dark side of neutral in their frequency response and the mids are much more present than with the M50s. Coming from the M50s I was at first underwhelmed by the Mad Dog. As my brain had adjusted to the new sound signature I realized all that I had been missing with the M50s, especially the detail in the mids and also in the deep-bass.
My conclusion is that the M50s are not neutral in their frequency response, at least to my ears, but are still a great sounding headphone! In some ways they are more "fun" than the Mad Dog. However, I realize now that most of the time I prefer a neutral (or close to neutral) sound signature. You should definitely try out as many HPs as you can and decide what type of sound you enjoy the most, then make your selection starting there.
Other thoughts:
The M50s are easily driven by most amps, even out of a phone, tablet, whatever. However, I do think they can sound different with different amplification or source components. For a long time I used a Fiio E07k with the M50s, but then purchased the Schiit Magni/Modi combo for the Mad Dogs. I was surprised when I noticed a significant improvement in the sound with the m50s and the Magni/Modi. There was more "air", tighter bass, and better separation of instruments/vocals. All of this is to say that while you can great sound without an external dedicated amp, I certainly heard a difference when I made changes in this area. I wouldn't spend a ton of money on additional amplification if you do go that route; the modi/magni or o2/odac are just a few, relatively cheap, upgrades.
Sorry this was kind of long! But I hope it helps...
Oh, and I ended up giving the M50s to my brother, so now he's caught the head-fi bug too haha. I still regret letting go of those cans sometimes.
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Post by PoloOle on Aug 12, 2014 16:09:14 GMT -5
A friend of mine bought these: Pioneer SE-A1000 Over-Ear Stereo Headphones, Black
And said that this is the best headphones for the buck.
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dmraupp
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Post by dmraupp on Aug 12, 2014 16:59:52 GMT -5
WoW,thanks everyone for all the suggestions and input.I thought I was overwhelmed before I reached out for help.I am very grateful for the post by gld3gld3 because those were number 1 on my list.I am seriously considering the V-MODA M-100'S recommended by hemster.I will continue to read and research further but those are at the top at the moment.Thanks again to everyone for the links and suggestions,keep it coming as nothing is final yet.
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dmraupp
Emo VIPs
WhatEver
Posts: 729
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Post by dmraupp on Aug 12, 2014 20:14:05 GMT -5
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Post by villock on Aug 12, 2014 20:26:26 GMT -5
Nice excellent choice  Let us know how you like them, I love my crossfade LP's |
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Aug 12, 2014 20:44:03 GMT -5
Nice excellent choice Let us know how you like them, I love my crossfade LP's +1. Excellent choice indeed! I also love my Crossfade LP2s.  I guarantee you're gonna love'em. I'm not only a customer I'm also the owner a fan!  |
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Let us know how you like them, I love my crossfade LP's
